Importance

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Abstract

A indicator usable with plural brachytherapy element dispensing devices such as seed magazines or seed cartridges for determining the number of seeds remaining in the cartridge and/or the number of seeds that have been dispensed. In one embodiment, the indicator is releasably attachable to a brachytherapy-element dispensing device. In another embodiment, the indicator is merely associated with said brachytherapy element dispensing device. An indicating element having an upper surface is located within the indicator and is movable by engagement with a plunger of a seed magazine or cartridge. The indicating element can indicate the number of seeds remaining/dispensed in any number of ways, including movement relative to a gradated scale, via connection to a digital readout or via connection to an analog device. Also disclosed is an indicator which employs the position of at least a portion of a movable structure of said brachytherapy element dispensing device that moves as a result of dispensing of brachytherapy elements from said dispensing device, relative to said indicator to indicate the number of seeds remaining in, or dispensed from, the brachytherapy element dispensing device.

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First Claim